Planar Space Frame for Vehicle Unibody Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current planar space frame structures are not effectively used in automotive engineering due to challenges in manufacturability, design flexibility, and mechanical properties for chassis or unibody constructions in commercial vehicles, particularly in distributing shear and torsional stresses, and accommodating varying load requirements.
Innovation Solution
A planar space frame-like structure with a core constructed from continuous transverse elements arranged as triangular prisms with alternating triangular openings, integrated with a metal foam sandwich panel for enhanced stiffness and weight efficiency, allowing for adjustable rib widths and improved load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional unibody construction with recesses for components is used, then components can be accommodated, but passenger capacity and flexibility are reduced due to interior recesses and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural function of the unibody with the housing function for components by creating an integrated floor/roof panel construction. The space frame structure serves dual purposes as both load-bearing element and component enclosure, eliminating the need for separate recesses in the body interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention relocates component housing from the interior volume (3D space within the vehicle) to the exterior structural elements (floor and roof panels). This dimensional shift allows components to be accommodated without compromising interior passenger space and layout flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are stored on the roof, then interior space is preserved, but center of mass increases and vehicle dynamics are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the exterior surface dimension of the vehicle body (floor and roof panels) to house components, transforming the traditional interior-volume-based component placement into an exterior-structural-based solution. This maintains interior space while keeping the vehicle profile compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The space frame structure provides localized reinforcement and component housing only where structurally necessary (in the floor and roof panels), rather than requiring overall vehicle reinforcement. This localized approach minimizes the impact on vehicle center of mass and dynamics.
3Weight of moving object
If planar space frame structures are used in automotive engineering, then material economy and lightness are achieved, but manufacturability and design flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unibody construction into modular floor and roof panel assemblies that incorporate space frame structures. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of panel components while maintaining overall vehicle structural integrity and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs adjustable rib widths and varying panel configurations within the space frame structure to accommodate different load requirements and design specifications. This parameter variability enables customization without fundamentally changing the manufacturing process.
4Strength
If conventional sheet metal space frames are used, then some structural properties are achieved, but shear and torsional stress distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite construction by integrating the space frame structure with the face panel and core materials. This composite approach enhances the distribution of shear and torsional stresses across the entire floor/roof panel assembly, improving overall structural performance beyond what sheet metal alone could achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular prism geometry of the space frame elements provides three-dimensional structural continuity that more effectively distributes complex stress states (shear and torsion) compared to conventional planar sheet metal structures. The geometric configuration naturally channels stresses through multiple load paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A planar space frame for a unibody panel of a vehicle comprises a core mounted onto the bottom side of a load bearing panel. The core is a 3-D truss including a series of triangular prisms. The triangular prisms have a specific pattern of alternating triangular openings on each of their three lateral faces. For each triangular prism, triangular openings located on the lateral face which is part of a planar layer are alternating right triangles placed two by two to form rectangular units. The right triangles are arranged to have the edges on each side of the right angles aligned with the edges of the planar layer. The triangular openings located on the two inclined lateral faces of each triangular prism, are alternating isosceles triangles placed two by two to form rhomboid units. This combination of triangles provides structural strength and housing functionality.